Resources/Resume-Guide/Costume Designer
Costume Designer Resume Guidance
Costume Designers design costumes for actors starring in film, television shows, or stage productions. Skills included on sample resumes of Costume Designers include creating award-winning costumes and props, using social media to build brands, and traveling to various conventions throughout the country.
1. Contact Information
- Full Name
- Phone Number
- Email Address (professional)
- Portfolio/Website link (if available)
- Location (City, State or Region)
2. Resume Summary or Objective
A brief statement that highlights your experience, creative skills, and goals. Tailor this to show your passion for costume design and how you contribute to a production.
Example:
Passionate and versatile costume designer with over 7 years of experience in theater, film, and television. Skilled in creating innovative, character-driven designs and expert in costume construction, fabric manipulation, and historical accuracy. Proven ability to collaborate with directors and actors to bring the vision to life on stage or screen.
3. Key Skills
This section should reflect both the technical and artistic competencies necessary for a costume designer role. Include a mix of hard and soft skills, such as:
- Costume Design (period, contemporary, fantasy, etc.)
- Sewing and Tailoring
- Fabric Knowledge (types, textures, draping)
- Pattern Making and Draping
- Costume Construction and Alterations
- Costume History and Research
- 3D Modeling and Digital Design (e.g., CLO 3D, SketchUp)
- Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator (for sketches and digital work)
- Budgeting and Sourcing Materials
- Collaboration with Directors and Actors
- Time Management and Organization
- Textile Dyeing and Embellishing
4. Professional Experience
List your relevant positions in reverse chronological order. For each job, provide:
- Job Title (e.g., Costume Designer, Assistant Costume Designer)
- Employer/Project Name (e.g., theater company, production studio)
- Dates of Employment
- A brief list of key responsibilities and accomplishments
Example:
Costume Designer
Theater Company XYZ, City, State
Jan 2021 – Present
- Designed costumes for Romeo and Juliet, blending historical accuracy with a modern flair to enhance the characters’ personalities.
- Managed a budget of $15,000 for costumes, sourcing materials, and coordinating fittings for a cast of 20 actors.
- Collaborated closely with the director and production team to ensure the costumes aligned with the overall vision for the production.
Assistant Costume Designer
Film Production ABC, City, State
Jun 2019 – Dec 2020
- Assisted the lead costume designer in creating period costumes for a historical drama film.
- Conducted research on clothing styles from the 1920s, creating mood boards and sketches to present ideas to the director.
- Organized costume fittings, handled alterations, and oversaw costume continuity during the shoot.
5. Education and Training
Include your formal education and any relevant certifications or specialized training in costume design, fashion, or related fields.
- Degree in Costume Design, Fashion Design, Fine Arts, Theater, or a related field.
- Relevant certifications or training programs (e.g., sewing workshops, pattern-making classes).
Example: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Costume Design
University of [Name], City, State
Graduated: [Year]
Certifications & Workshops
- Advanced Sewing and Tailoring, 2020
- Fabric Dyeing Techniques, 2021
6. Portfolio
A portfolio is essential for a costume designer to showcase your work. Include:
- A link to your online portfolio (a website or digital portfolio is ideal).
- If applicable, provide specific examples of costume designs you’ve worked on (with images, sketches, or photos from productions).
- If submitting a physical resume, you may attach sample images or a PDF portfolio.
7. Awards and Recognitions (Optional)
If you’ve received any accolades for your work, be sure to include them here:
- Best Costume Design Award for [Production Name] (Year)
- Nominations or other awards from industry organizations
8. Professional Affiliations (Optional)
Membership in professional organizations can bolster your credibility:
- Costume Designers Guild (CDG)
- United Scenic Artists (USA)
- Local or national theater or film groups
9. Additional Sections (Optional)
- Exhibitions: If your work has been showcased at events or fashion exhibitions.
- Volunteer Work: If you’ve contributed costume design work to community theater or charity events.
- Languages: If you speak multiple languages and it could be relevant to your work (e.g., for international productions).
10. Formatting Tips
- Keep your resume to 1-2 pages, depending on your experience.
- Use bullet points for clarity and easy scanning.
- Ensure your resume is visually clean, especially if you’re applying for a creative role.
- Use a professional font and layout.
Example Costume Designer Resume:
Jane Doe
Phone: (555) 123-4567 | Email: janedoe@email.com | Portfolio: www.janedoeportfolio.com
Location: City, State
Objective
Innovative costume designer with 8 years of experience in theater and film productions. Adept at conceptualizing and creating distinctive designs that bring characters to life, with a keen eye for detail and historical accuracy. Proven ability to work collaboratively with directors and production teams to execute design vision within time and budget constraints.
Key Skills
- Costume Design (Period, Fantasy, Contemporary)
- Sewing and Tailoring
- Pattern Making & Draping
- Fabric and Textile Knowledge
- Digital Design (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator)
- Researching Fashion History
- Budgeting & Materials Sourcing
- Costume Construction & Alterations
- Collaboration & Communication
- Textile Dyeing and Embellishing
Experience
Costume Designer
XYZ Theater Company, City, State
Jan 2021 – Present
- Designed costumes for the production of Macbeth, interpreting Shakespearean themes with modern fashion elements to reflect character arcs.
- Led costume construction and collaborated with a team of five assistants to execute the design.
- Managed a $12,000 budget for materials, ensuring cost-effective sourcing while maintaining high-quality designs.
Assistant Costume Designer
ABC Film Studios, City, State
June 2018 – Dec 2020
- Assisted in creating costumes for a historical drama film, researching 18th-century clothing, and collaborating with the lead designer.
- Managed a wardrobe of 50+ costumes, overseeing alterations, repairs, and costume continuity.
- Worked closely with the production team to ensure costumes aligned with set designs and the director’s vision.
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Costume Design
University of [Name], City, State
Graduated: 2018
Certifications
Fabric Dyeing & Textile Painting, 2021
Advanced Sewing Techniques, 2020